Joel Osteen is grieving the lack of his mom, Dolores ‘Dodie’ Osteen, who handed away at 91 years outdated earlier this week.
The 62-year-old televangelist took to Instagram on Wednesday (July 30), the place he revealed the information alongside a photograph of him and his mom smiling. Within the caption, he shared an announcement on behalf of himself, his spouse, Victoria, and the remainder of his household.
“It’s with a heavy coronary heart that Victoria and I, together with our household, announce the passing of our cherished mom and grandmother, Dolores ‘Dodie’ Osteen,” he wrote. “She was the beloved matriarch of Lakewood Church, an inspiration to hundreds of thousands of individuals world wide, and a devoted servant of God.”
He continued, “Referred to as ‘Mama Dodie’ to the complete Lakewood household, collectively, we rejoice her superb life and lasting legacy. She handed of pure causes, peacefully at her dwelling. She was 91 years outdated.”
Dolores and her late husband, John Osteen (Joel’s father), co-founded Lakewood Church, the evangelical Pentecostal and Phrase of Religion megachurch positioned in Houston, Texas. Joel now serves because the senior pastor of Lakewood, with Victoria as co-pastor.
As well as, Dolores often appeared on her husband’s self-titled tv program, The John Osteen Present, which ran for 16 years and was broadcast to hundreds of thousands within the U.S. and almost 50 international locations weekly.
The passing comes a yr and a half after the surprising taking pictures at Lakewood Church, the place a 36-year-old girl opened hearth with an AR-15 contained in the church earlier than being shot and killed by two off-duty cops. The lady’s 7-year-old son and a person had been wounded within the incident; each survived.
Followers and mates shared their condolences within the feedback of Joel’s Instagram submit, with one commenter writing, “I’m really with out phrases. She made my household, my spouse, in truth all of us who’ve misplaced our personal moms really feel as if she stepped in as a sacred surrogate.”
“What a beautiful girl. We honor her life and legacy,” stated one other.
“We cherished momma Dodie a lot. Our hearts and prayers are with you all, Joel ❤️,” one other added.
One other wrote, “So sorry to listen to this. My most heartfelt condolences to you, the complete Osteen household, and Lakewood Church. We love you and are praying for you.”
“I had the respect of assembly To Pastor Dodie, an exemplary spouse, mom, and grandmother. An amazing girl of God, could God consolation her total household,” stated one consumer.